Boots' & Sonny's Drive In — Classic Burgers and Milkshakes in Summerville

What you'll find at Boots' & Sonny's

Boots' & Sonny's Drive In is a 1950s-style burger stand in Summerville where you order at the window and eat in your car or at picnic tables outside. The menu centers on hand-formed beef burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes made the old way—no drive-through line, no indoor seating, just the experience of a classic American drive-in as it was meant to be.

The burgers come customizable: single or double patty, loaded with toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, and mayo. The fries are fresh-cut and fried to order. Milkshakes come in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and seasonal flavors, made with real ice cream and thick enough that the spoon stands up in the cup. The whole operation runs on cash or card, and the staff works fast even when the line is long.

Key Takeaways

• Boots' & Sonny's is located in Summerville and operates as a window-service drive-in with outdoor seating, not a full-service restaurant.
• Burgers are hand-formed and made to order, so expect a short wait during peak lunch and dinner hours.
• The menu is intentionally limited—burgers, fries, and milkshakes—which keeps quality high and prices low.
• Cash and card are both accepted, and the spot is popular with families, teenagers, and anyone craving a nostalgic burger experience.

Hours, location, and what to expect when you arrive

Boots' & Sonny's sits on Main Street in Summerville's downtown area, easy to spot by the vintage signage and the cluster of cars in the lot. Hours typically run from late morning through evening, though you should confirm current times before heading over, as seasonal changes and staffing can shift the schedule. The place closes for a few hours in the afternoon between lunch and dinner service.

When you pull in, you'll see a small ordering window on one side of the building. Walk up, order, pay, and wait for your number to be called. Most orders take 10 to 15 minutes. You can eat at the picnic tables outside, sit in your car, or take your food to go. On warm weekends, the lot fills up quickly—arrive before noon or after 1 p.m. if you want a table without a wait.

The burger options and how to order

The burger menu is straightforward: single or double patty, your choice of toppings. A single burger with fries and a drink runs less than $15 for most combinations. You can build it plain or loaded—the staff will ask what you want as you order. Popular combinations include the classic cheeseburger with mustard and pickles, the loaded burger with all the vegetables, or the double patty for serious appetites.

Fries come as a side and are cut thick, salted well, and fried fresh. If you're ordering for a group, the staff can handle multiple orders at once, though you'll get separate bags or trays. Milkshakes are priced separately and worth the add-on—they're genuinely thick and creamy, nothing like fast-food shakes.

Why Boots' & Sonny's matters in Summerville

This drive-in is one of the few places in the Lowcountry that still operates the way burger stands did in the 1950s and 1960s. Summerville has grown and modernized, but Boots' & Sonny's has stayed true to its format: simple menu, made-to-order food, outdoor seating, and the social experience of eating in your car or at a picnic table with neighbors and friends.

For visitors exploring Summerville's downtown, it's a genuine piece of the town's history and a break from chain restaurants. For locals, it's a gathering spot where generations have ordered the same burger the same way. The place doesn't try to be trendy or Instagram-worthy—it's just good, honest food made fresh and served fast.

Parking and accessibility

The lot is small but usually has space, especially if you arrive outside peak hours. Parking is free and right in front of the ordering window. The picnic tables are on level ground, and the ordering window is accessible from the parking lot without steps.

If you have mobility concerns or prefer not to stand in line, you can order from your car and have food brought to you—just ask the staff when you pull up. The outdoor seating is casual and informal, which works well for families with kids or anyone who wants to linger over a milkshake.

Nearby spots to combine with your visit

Boots' & Sonny's sits in Summerville's downtown, so you can walk to other attractions before or after eating. The Summerville Town Square is a few blocks away, with shops, galleries, and the Summerville Dorchester Museum. If you're visiting on a weekend, check whether the farmers market is running—it sets up nearby seasonally.

The Azalea Park and Magnolia Cemetery are both short drives away if you want to spend an afternoon exploring Summerville's gardens and history. Many visitors treat Boots' & Sonny's as a lunch stop in the middle of a downtown walking tour, then head to one of the nearby parks or shops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or call in my order?

Most drive-ins like this operate on a walk-up basis without phone orders, though you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Check their social media or call the number listed online to confirm whether they take advance orders on busy days.

Do they have vegetarian or other dietary options?

The menu is burger-focused, but the staff can make a grilled cheese or veggie sandwich if you ask. For other dietary needs, call ahead to discuss what they can prepare. The fries are vegetarian and cooked in shared oil, so ask about cross-contact if that matters to you.

Is there indoor seating or is it outdoor only?

Boots' & Sonny's is outdoor seating only—picnic tables and your car. There's no indoor dining area. On rainy days, most people eat in their vehicles or take their food to go.

What's the best time to go if I want to avoid a crowd?

Mid-afternoon (around 2 to 4 p.m.) is usually quietest. Lunch rush runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and dinner crowds pick up after 5 p.m., especially on weekends. Weekday visits are generally less busy than weekends.

Do they accept card payments or cash only?

Both card and cash are accepted. The ordering window has a card reader, so you don't need to carry cash, though having some on hand doesn't hurt if the system is down.